Researching Higher Education

This book couples an authoritative overview of the principal current areas of research into higher education with a guide to the processes involved in undertaking research into higher education. It offers both a classification and analysis of research on higher education, and suggestions and guidance for further research. Case studies of recently published research are discussed in detail with particular attention drawn to the methods, methodologies and theories used with consideration as to how these might be used in further research. Consideration is given to research design and questions, funding, progressing research projects, publication and dissemination, whilst annotated lists provide details of published sources offering further advice and illumination.Researching Higher Education is core reading for those interested in research in higher education throughout the English-speaking world. It will be of value to students and academics researching the higher education experience as well as appealing to experienced researchers seeking an overview or insights into new areas and alternative methods.

Table of Contents:
ContentsCase studies and tables are separately listed after the main contents pages. Part I: Recently Published Research on Higher Education 1.Introduction The Changing Context for Higher Education Research Themes and Issues in Higher Education Research Methods and Methodologies in Higher Education Research Levels of Analysis in Higher Education Research The Organization of the Book Using this Book 2. Journals Introduction Selection of Journals for Analysis Characteristics of the Selected Journals Themes and Issues Methods and Methodologies Level of Analysis Authors’ Location, Sex and Institutional Base Conclusions 3.Books Introduction Selection of Books for Analysis Characteristics of Higher Education Book Publishers Themes and Issues Methods and Methodologies Level of Analysis Authors’ and Editors’ Location, Sex and Institutional Base Conclusions Part II: Issues and Approaches in Researching Higher Education 4.Researching Teaching and Learning Introduction Research into Teaching and Learning - student learning - different kinds of students - teaching in higher education - the ‘how to’ genre Case Studies Ideas for Further Research 5.Researching Course Design Introduction Research into Course Design - the higher education curriculum - technologies for learning - student writing - assessment - postgraduate course design Case Studies Ideas for Further Research 6.Researching the Student Experience Introduction Research into the Student Experience - accessing higher education - the on-course experience - success and non-completion - the postgraduate experience - the experience of different student groups - the transition from higher education to work Case Studies Ideas for Further Research 7.Researching Quality Introduction Research into Quality - course evaluation - grading and outcomes - national monitoring practices - system standards Case Studies Ideas for Further Research 8.Researching System Policy Introduction Research into System Policy - the policy context - national policies - comparative policy studies - historical policy studies - funding relationships Case Studies Ideas for Further Research 9.Researching Institutional Management Introduction Research into Institutional Management - higher education management practice - institutional leadership and governance - institutional development and history - institutional structure - economies of scale and institutional mergers - relations between higher education, industry and community Case Studies Ideas for Further Research 10.Researching Academic Work Introduction Research into Academic Work - academic roles - academic development - academic careers - women academics - the changing nature of academic work - academic work in different countries Case Studies Ideas for Further Research 11.Researching Knowledge Introduction Research into Knowledge - the nature of research - disciplinarily - forms of knowledge - the nature of the university Case Studies Ideas for Further Research Part III: The Process of Researching Higher Education 12.Method and Methodology in Researching Higher Education Introduction Method and Methodology Documentary Analysis Comparative Analysis Interviews Surveys and Multivariate Analyses Conceptual Analysis Phenomenography Critical and Feminist Perspectives Auto/biographical and Observational Studies Conclusions 13.Researching Higher Education at Different Levels Introduction Individual Course Department Institution National System International Conclusions 14.The Process of Researching Introduction Why Research Higher Education? What to Research? How to Research? Where to Research? Progressing Research Publishing and Disseminating Research Conclusions References

About the Author :
Professor in the Department of Educational Research at Lancaster University